British magazine chooses 5 Brazilian clubs among the best bases in the world; see list

The traditional magazine FourFourTwo, from the United Kingdom, listed some of the most productive and successful grassroots categories in the world. The ranking has 32 clubs, five of which are Brazilian. São Paulo, Santos, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo appeared on the list.

The country’s best-placed team is Flamengo, which ranked 13th. “From legends like Zico to Adriano and more modern talents like Lucas Paquetá and Vinícius Junior, Flamengo’s youth teams have consistently produced great talent over the years,” wrote the publication.

In 15th place is Santos, who had Pelé and Neymar among those highlighted by the newspaper. “The best Brazilian player of all time and the man who overtook him and became the Brazilian team’s all-time top scorer came from the same club’s academy,” the newspaper pointed out. In addition to them, Pepe, Clodoaldo, César Sampaio, Diego Ribas and Gabigol were mentioned in the text.

São Paulo appears in 22nd position and is the third best placed Brazilian club on the list. “World Cup winners Cafu, Kaká and Denilson began their careers with the São Paulo tricolor, as well as Brazilians Ederson, Casemiro, Antony, Militão and Lucas Moura”, highlighted the FourFourTwo.

Number 25 in the ranking is Fluminense, whose rivalry with Flamengo was highlighted by the publication. “Brazilian legends Carlos Alberto and Edinho began their careers at Fluminense, and Marcelo, Richarlison, Thiago Silva and Fabinho came through the club’s academy,” stated the newspaper.

Botafogo occupies 32nd position and was described as “one of the most historic clubs in Brazil” and which “developed some of the best players in the country of all time”. “Nilton Santos, Garrincha and Jairzinho started their careers at Botafogo”, wrote the publication.